When sorting out public benefits for your loved one with mental health challenges, there are plenty of barriers and landmines. It is essential to have a basic understanding of the “alphabet soup” of public benefits to maximize the available benefits. For instance, how do you define “disability” for public benefits purposes? What is the…
Details
Stanford University research group is conducting a teen health study that is investigating factors that predict healthy adolescent development and eating behaviors. The results of the study will be used to inform future eating disorder prevention programs. To participate in the study, you must be: The parent of a daughter 13 – 15…
Details
Positive psychology is the scientific study of what enables individuals, organizations, and societies to best develop and flourish. The focus of research is on psychological well-being, cultivation of best practices and resources, and applying the potential of people for a best possible life. Research suggests that between 30-70% of individuals who experienced trauma also report…
Details
“I think it will grow,” retired State Sen. Beall said optimistically. “My perception is throughout the mental health community we will have boots on the ground for mental health services, and an army of peer support that is trained.” For the first time in the state’s history, parents, peers, caregivers, and family members are being…
Details
How Do Different Types of Stressful Experiences Affect Brain Development and Mental Health in Teenagers Dr. Rajpreet Chahal is interested in understanding the roles of specific forms of stress (e.g., abuse and economic disadvantage) on brain development and mental health. In her research study, she describes how the brain develops when faced with different types…
Details
By Moryt Milo Sixteen years ago, Beth Am, a synagogue in Los Altos Hills, pioneered a mental health support group after one of its leaders, Jane Marcus, told her story about suffering from debilitating depression. Her admission shocked the congregation. On the surface, Marcus had a successful career. She had earned a Ph.D. and was…
Details
My community. My voice. Our change Please join us for a Community Conversation group focused on the mental health and substance use service needs of the community on Feb 12th, 2022. NAMI Santa Clara County is collaborating with the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department to host a Community Conversation focus group to gather community input…
Details
By Moryt Milo Simple gestures of financial kindness can end up costing someone who relies solely on government subsidies for their benefits. The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) program is a way for those with a qualifying disability to achieve financial independence without worrying about breaching the $2,000 asset threshold. The program is…
Details
By Moryt Milo When Dr. Manpreet Singh, associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, talks about the future for those with bipolar disorder, she is optimistic that early intervention and prevention can change the outcome for at-risk youth. Evidence from her clinical studies shows that family-focused psychotherapy can reduce…
Details
Beth Am, a congregation in Los Altos Hills, created Beit R’fuah (House of Healing), a mental health support group, to bring together people who felt marginalized in their communities. This led to the production of a powerful documentary, “House of Healing,” showing how houses of worship can become mental health friendly by de-stigmatizing mental illness.…
Details